Simulated Ski Motion Machine

ABSTRACT

Ski simulation device has at least two arching rails parallel each other on a sloped plane elevated at an angle of a variable degree, joined to frame structure which includes handgrip and cross rail, arching rails providing track; a carriage rides in side-to-side movement on track; whereas carriage on which platform is mounted around axis, whereas platform on which two cradles each is mounted around its axis, whereas cradles wherein two rocking footrests are nested; resistance members providing a constraint on carriage as it rides on track; dampening member extending from front section of frame structure joined to midpoint on transverse bar of which ends joined to cradles; an assembly of rollers mounted on frontal sides of both cradles, whereby rollers as guide roll on cross rail; and rod extending from front section of frame structure to a point where mounted ball can be reached by user&#39;s both knees.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority in part application of application Ser. No. 61/014,835, filed Dec. 19, 2007.

Simulated Ski Motion Machine, a ski simulation device consists of frame structure including rails, foot vehicle of which various layered panels revolving independently around axis above carriage, roller guide being relied on which said foot vehicle rolls for direction and guidance, dampening member inducing said foot vehicle to align said member via transverse bar that joins to footrests atop said foot vehicle, handrail tilting for slippery effects, that and roller guide moving away for workout with or without poles, and resistance members being used to propel carriage to centers of rails.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to skiing simulation devices and, more particularly, to training and exercising equipment for simulating muscle and aerobic activity during skiing, such as Alpine and downhill skiing. Skiing is often referred to as a non-instinctive sport. Accordingly, the advancement of skiing skills involves a continuous repetition of proper form. Because most geographic areas have a small season wherein skiing is available, and because it is time consuming and expensive to ski at most ski slopes even during the skiing season when skiing is available, there has been, and prior to the instant invention, remained an unfulfilled need for a moderately priced device that allows skiers to properly prepare for skiing off of the ski slopes—such as (a) at indoor skiing classes, (b) at recreational centers, and (c) at home.

B. The Related Art

A few skiing simulation devices are known in the art. However, these few machines are very limited and don't properly permit simulation of alpine or downhill skiing. In general, these devices are mostly focused on providing an aerobic exercise rather than improving skiing skills. As an example, some of the other devices incorporate a large resilient band to facilitate motion in that greatly distracts from realistic skiing simulation.

C. Description of Information

The most relevant patents were U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,811 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,621. I also did research with due diligence those “referenced by” patents listed on their applications for any obvious disclosures similar to the novel features that I already made into a prototyping machine and that these features were not located thus far.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the unfulfilled need for an accurate downhill skiing simulation device and in view of the limitations in the existing devices, the present, ski sensation, high accuracy, ski simulation device was developed.

A primary object of this invention is to provide a skiing simulation device for more accurately simulating the motions performed during skiing conditions.

Another object of this invention is to provide such a skiing simulation device that is appropriate for a broad range of skier's—from the expert skier to the beginner skier, or novice.

Another object of this invention is to provide an exercise device for accurately simulating muscle, aerobic, and balancing activities during such skiing conditions.

According to one aspect of the invention, a ski simulation device includes an air cylinder of which one end is mounted on a front section of said frame structure and the other end mounted on said transverse bar that is relative to said foot vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is an assembly of rollers that is mounted on frontal sides of cradles wherein said footsteps are nested.

According to another aspect of the invention, said revolving platform rotates around an axis just as said footrests rotate counterclockwise and clockwise and swing simultaneously.

The present device, unlike the other related devices, allows simulation of virtually all of the essential motions in skiing including downhill and Alpine skiing. The present invention enables one to obtain (a) technique training, (b) aerobic exercise, (c) specific muscle strengthening/training, and (d) balance exercise/training—all while having fun and exercise in practicing skiing. Thus, the present invention can be used to provide a program sufficient to maintain the interest and enthusiasm of even an advanced skier.

The present device achieves a highly sophisticated skiing simulation in a relatively simple and inexpensive mechanism that was developed through careful innovation and design. The structure of the present design can provide a freedom of action and movement that encourages proper form, while not forcing form. The present invention maintains a balance between the machines ease of use for lower skill levels while allowing for the implementation of more advanced skills. The present device's forgiving realistic simulation helps skiers identify and develop areas in their form that may need improvement.

The broad range of motions available on the present device makes it an ideal trainer/exerciser simulator for all levels of ability. From those who have never skied to black diamond experts, this device facilitates progressive advancement to higher levels of skill and technique. Even further, this device could also greatly assist training of blind skiers. For example, a reachable height of said footrests was considered and developed for their use.

Notably, the skier and gravity, as in actual skiing, drive the present device and not a combination of the skier and a large resilient band as found in other devices. This translates into a much greater control for the skier over the type and timing of turns, etc. The skier is able to hold a position, or turn, for however long he desires to. As a result, this not only provides for the possibility of mixing different types of turns, but it also allows the skier time to concentrate fully on technique, positioning, and action. The skier does not have to concentrate on responding to contraction of an outstretched resilient band. And the skier does not have to strengthen muscles to learn ski techniques. A ski apparatus is originally designed to serve a specific function of which body parts are developed. A ski simulation device is known for something designed to achieve a particular effect that is skiing. Such as apparatus and devices have its limitations of use. Special features in the present device filled further missing gaps.

One of these novel features is an assembly of rollers mounted on frontal sides of said cradles. Whereby they roll securely on said roller guide. Whereby a dampening member is secured at a pivot point of foot vehicle. Whereby said cradles are aligned with said pivot point at bay of frame structure. Whereby said foot vehicle rides on track. Whereby a beginner focuses on proper ski movements. Whereby the beginner recognizes development in body parts when performing various routines. Whereby the developed body parts sense the ski movements while on a slope. It is an automation replacing ski instructors by nature.

A strenuous exercise can be done when said roller guide is separated from said rollers. That's when said resistance, not resilient, members induce said carriage to propel to centers of said rails. Said cradles wherein said versatile footrests are nested would move backward and forward at will. Said handgrip would be put down when the expert use his or her own ski poles.

The other feature on the present device is an air cylinder mounted to induce said cradles pivoted at foot vehicle to align with said air cylinder via said transverse bar. It also dampens and absorbs vibrations and shocks on foot vehicle.

The beginner then focuses on techniques needed for skiing. Anything that distorts a thought would misguide the beginner into thinking that it happened on a slope, too. The present device is intently and strictly engineered for quiet performance even at all joints of motion in such invention.

Advantageously, the inventor of this invention is physically deaf and he is familiar with sound barriers, vibrations, and noise creations. Consequently, the considerations of those improvements to the device were given in such invention.

As a teaching tool, the present device is unsurpassed, for beginners and experienced skiers, alike. It is as equally proficient in helping new skiers begin to develop a feel for skiing, and in learning the important basic fundamentals required on the slopes, as it is in helping experienced skiers improve and strengthen their form, providing all levels a greater enjoyment and confidence on the slope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although drawings of the ski simulation device of the present invention has been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is made by way of example and that various other embodiments are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the claims, which subject matter is regarded as the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an elevated rear view of the device.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the below foot vehicle of the device.

FIG. 3 illuminates a set of footrests 32A and 32B tilting laterally.

FIG. 4 illustrates a left rear view of the device.

FIG. 5 illuminates how an assembly of the resistance members is secured.

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of the device of the invention.

FIG. 7 is close-up left rear view of part of invention.

FIG. 8 illuminates line directions of the part movements of the foot vehicle 22.

FIG. 9 embodies the claimed parts of the device of the invention.

FIG. 10 describes parts used on footrests 32B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A ski simulation device in accordance with the present invention is shown in the drawings. The device is used for a skier to develop body parts for actually skiing and to train general users for basic techniques needed to ski properly.

The device 10 comprises a skeletal frame structure 12, a set of two segmented, a pair of paralleled rails 14 and 16 on an elevated section of the frame structure 12, a foot vehicle 22 sitting on centers of the rails 14 and 16, respectively in FIG. 1;

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 the device illustrates an example of the invention, emphasizing its compact structure yet a useful and safe apparatus for many uses such as novice learning and leg therapy.

The foot vehicle 22 comprises a carriage 24, a revolving platform 28 swiveling over the carriage 24 through which a long pivot bolt 66 is driven, a pair of cradles 30A and 30B each swiveling over the revolving platform 28, a set of small friction-reducing wheels 38 inserted in the undersides of the cradles 30A and 30B through which a pair of short pivot bolts 40A and 40B is driven, and a pair of footrests 32A and 32B nested in the cradles 30A and 30B swinging laterally;

A set of bridge plates 34 with a pair of small friction-reducing wheels 38 affixed to them, shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, joined to the underside of the carriage 28, being used for skating securely against edges between the paralleled rails 14 and 16, respectively in FIG. 1;

As illustrated in FIG. 5 the wheels are rolling on the rails near its undersides, whereas the contacts between the wheels and the rails stay intact, not a chance of slipping over the rails. The rails 14 and 16 would be manufactured for the wheels 38 to snap in.

A friction-reducing member 26 being sandwiched between the carriage 24 and the revolving platform 28 that spins around the carriage 24, respectively in FIG. 2;

The cradles 30 with friction-reducing wheels 38 inserted in the undersides of the cradles 30 through which a pair of the small pivot bolts 40 driven, each rotating side by side atop platform 28 in FIG. 2;

The footrests 32A and 32B with friction-reducing wheels 38 affixed to its fore and aft ends, nested in the cradles 30A and 30B, each tilting laterally as illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 8;

These nested sets moving in opposite directions in line with the air cylinder alternatively and interactively as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10;

The user is learning a change in the foot positions when they are in opposite directions at a turning point around the ends of the rails, as actual turning at a corner on a ski slope. The illustration FIG. 8 embodies these functions described above.

A set of roller assemblies for the two cradles comprising a set of hinges 42A and 42B, a set of rollers 44A and 44B, and a set of short bars 46A and 46B;

These assemblies affixed to the frontal cradles 30A and 30B positioning the rollers 44A and 44B onto the roller guide 25 in FIG. 3;

The rollers 44A and 44B together rolling securely against the sides of the roller guide 25 as shown in FIG. 3, wherein the rollers 44A and 44B guiding the foot vehicle 22 in FIG. 3;

As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 8 the roller guide 25 acts as a guide of the foot vehicle on which the user stands, manipulating the movements of the foot vehicle along the roller guide 25.

The transverse bar 48, with its ends joining to the upper ends of the hinges 42A and 42B, thus harnessing the foot vehicle 22, via the air cylinder 50 in FIG. 3;

The air cylinder 50, impending from the front section of the frame structure 12, connecting to the transverse bar 48 on its midpoint, thus harnessing the foot vehicle 22 shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4;

As illustrated in FIG. 3 the air cylinder 50 in FIG. 10 acts on the movements of the foot vehicle 22, sensing shocks and vibrations and directing ski directions and advising on snow conditions and adding new experiences as the user collects from using the device frequently.

A training ball 33, affixed to the end of a flexible rod 51 that extends from the front section of the frame structure 12, when necessary, positioned behind the user's knees in FIG. 1;

The training ball 33 keeping knees close together, as actual turning at a corner on a ski slope, also making the user's knees bend for exercising his or her lower body.

A set of adjustment levelers 52 leveling the frame structure 12, shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, when established for performance;

A set of rope loop bolts 54, a set of knobs 56, and a set of belt loop bolts 58 securing an arching handrail 23 via a set of guy bars 60 and the innermost and outermost rails 14 and 16, respectively in FIG. 4;

As illustrated in FIG. 9 the arching handrail 23 and the roller guide 25 moving away when the user needs to have a good workout, after removing the rope loop bolts 54 and the belt loop bolts 58 on them, respectively in FIG. 4;

The belt loop bolts 58 affixed to the ends of the outermost rail 16 being a pole holder as shown in FIG. 4;

A non-breakage sheet 62, with its edges affixed to the middle tubes 63 of the frame structure 12 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, thus securing the frame structure 12;

An arcuate holder 64 propping the outermost rail 16 and positioning the pulleys 20 on which the resistance members 18 relies for providing a constraint on the foot vehicle in FIG. 4;

The long pivot bolt 66, affixed to the underside of the carriage 24 in FIGS. 2 and 5, around which a fastening means 67 secures the resistance members 18 on its midpoint, its ends being affixed to the outermost leg next to the arcuate holder of the frame structure 12 in FIG. 5;

The resistance members 18 providing a restoring force, propelling the foot vehicle 22 back to the centers of the rails 14 and 16 in FIG. 1.

While the invention has been described in detail by specific reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it is understood that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A skiing simulation device, comprising: A frame structure; A handrail; A cross rail; A foot vehicle; A pair of paralleled rails positioned at its proximity on a sloped plane elevated at an angle of a degree over said frame structure; A dampening member extending between a front section of said frame structure and said foot vehicle via a transverse bar; and A set of resistance members providing a constraint on said foot vehicle.
 2. The skiing simulation device of claim 1, wherein said dampening member is an air cylinder.
 3. The skiing simulation device of claim 1, further including an assembly of guide rollers mounted on the frontal sides of said foot vehicle.
 4. The skiing simulation device of claim 1, wherein said cross rail is a roller guide on which said guide rollers rolls.
 5. The skiing simulation device of claim 4, further moving away for ski poles to freely place in front areas around rails.
 6. The skiing simulation device of claim 1, wherein said handrail tilting backward and forward to simulate a feeling of slippery, as actual skiing on an icy slope.
 7. The skiing simulation device of claim 6, further moving away for ski poles also to freely place in front areas around rails.
 8. The skiing simulation device of claim 1, wherein paralleled cross rails are a segmented arching rails with a specific radius to impress a curvature of ski path when slowly skating on said rails, and a mogul only at fast pace.
 9. The skiing simulation device of claim 1, wherein said foot vehicle comprising a carriage, a platform, and a set of cradles.
 10. The skiing simulation device of claim 9, wherein said cradles including nested footrests that rotate horizontally and vertically in relation to said cradles.
 11. The skiing simulation device of claim 9, wherein said platform supporting two said cradles each pivoting around an axis on said platform.
 12. The skiing simulation device of claim 10, further including set of friction reducing wheels of which two are on the fore and the other two on the aft sides of said footrests, as actual edging in the snow.
 13. The skiing simulation device of claim 1, further including adjustment levelers on all legs of said frame structure and a rod of which end is joining a ball.
 14. The skiing simulation device of claim 13, wherein said rod is a flexible rod that extends as far as said foot vehicle skates crossways on said rails. 